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Messi scores twice in Spain's Copa soccer

Lionel Messi extended his record for goals scored in a year on Wednesday as he scored both of Barcelona's goals in a 2-0 win away against Cordoba in their Spanish Cup last-16 first-leg clash.

The 25-year-old three-time Ballon D'Or winner struck in the 11th minute, after being set up by David Villa, and then in the 74th when he ran onto an Alexis Sanchez pass to score to give the holders a handy advantage to take back to the Camp Nou for the second leg in January.

The brace took him to 88 for the year, three more than German legend Gerd Mueller although, earlier on Wednesday, Brazilian side Flamengo claimed Zico should be the holder with 89 goals in 1979.

Also in the last 16, Sevilla trounced Mallorca 5-0, while Atletico Madrid beat Getafe 3-0.

Real's evening started badly when French international striker Karim Benzema had to go off in the 31st minute with what looked like a twisted ankle.

While Messi can do no wrong, his compatriot Marcelo Bielsa can do little right as his Athletic Bilbao side exited the competition at the hands of third-division Eibar in their delayed last-32, second-leg match.

Bilbao went out on the away goals rule as last season's finalists were held 1-1 at home by their modest opposition.

It is a far cry from last season when Bielsa - who guided the Argentinians to the 2004 Olympic title - received great praise for the stylish football his young side played and in which they also reached the Europa League final.

Eibar's reward is a last-16 clash with Malaga with the first leg next Wednesday.